Six men charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan governor

Six men were charged Thursday with conspiring to kidnap Michigan’s Democratic Governor, Gretchen Whitmer.

In early 2020 the FBI became aware of individuals discussing the “violent overthrow of certain government and law-enforcement components.” Both Barry Croft and Adam Fox allegedly agreed to unite others and take violent action against governments they believed were violating the US Constitution. The FBI, via Confidential Human Sources and Undercover Employees, were able to obtain first-hand information about the plan to “murder tyrants” or “take a sitting governor” including Whitmer.

Fox and Croft also joined forces with a Michigan-based militia group in efforts to execute their plan of attacking the Capitol and kidnapping Whitmer, where they would try her for “treason” before the November 2020 elections. In subsequent meetings, members suggested shooting up the governor’s vacation home. With the help of others, Fox, Croft and the rest of the group were able to locate Whitmer’s vacation home and devised a plan to kidnap her through days of surveillance of the property. The group planned to meet a final time in October.